7 Simple Concepts That Make My Life Better

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Timestamps
00:00 - Intro
00:23 - I. Drawing vs. Journaling
01:26 - II. The Power of Labelling
02:46 - III. Say it Out Loud
04:50 - IV. Simplifying Fitness
07:15 - V. A "Peace of Mind" Fund
08:18 - VI. Book the Things That Require Extra Focus
10:01 - VII. How To Get Quickly Back On Track When You're Spiraling
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Music
The original Nathaniel Drew x Tom Fox soundtrack → www.nathanieldrew.com/nathani...

[@Ellary_Rosewood]

As an artist, I wish more people kept a sketchbook, even if they don't think they're "good" at art or don't see themselves as artists. There are so many benefits to keeping a sketchbook and I'm fascinated in the therapeutic aspect of it as well. It forces us to slow down and pay attention to the things that often go unnoticed. We start to notice the little details and patterns in everything around us and the beauty in the mundane. There's also just something special about going through old drawings, paintings, or sketches you did when you were at a certain place and remember EXACTLY what you were feeling and the way things looked at that moment in time, but most importantly how you interpreted that moment and used your creativity to portray it. You can sketch ANYTHING and it will tell a story. ❤

[@Perry0823]

Sometimes I stumble across an old notebook from grade school or college, and laugh at all the doodling I did. Sometimes I recall the doodles, but 99 percent of the time I have 0 recollection and will just be staring at it like "wtf is this😂"

[@janebaker966]

John Ruskin the 19th C art critic was an advocate of just how you describe. Drawing as therapy. He thought everyone including working people should draw because it made you look closer at things. The story of his wedding night is also a bit famous and hilarious but not at the time I guess.

[@Ellary_Rosewood]

@@janebaker966 Exactly. I'm a huge advocate for this. Not to mention how it forces you to slow down and notice the patterns and details in everything in our surroundings.

[@smileyface702]

Inspiring!

[@ArtistUttam]

Same feelings ❤

[@Bobby_Davis]

The production continues to get better and better and better and better. Your process of blooming as an artist is the art itself. Well done mate.

[@markus19990316]

I've started to resonate a lot with a similar workout philosopy. Yesterday I went for a run without tracking anything. I realized how using a sports watch was making me feel resistance towards running. I just ran because I wanted to. How long I wanted to. How fast I wanted to. It felt incredible.

[@KellyWakasa]

i always marvel at how beautiful n cinematic ur videos r man!! teach me ur ways plz

[@romanishchenko6310]

- buy fudjifilm X-T4, X-S10 or X-X20 - google "How To Edit Like Nathaniel Drew"

[@mustbecome]

Nathaniel continues to bring our attention to a MASSIVE PROBLEM: That often we create the complexity in our lives then fight to justify why. At the end of the day, we can choose to do the millions of things that leave us no progress in any one direction or we can focus on the few things that, in time will bring us everything we ever wanted out of life. Thank you Nathaniel for the simple and effective way forwards.

[@fanatical56]

Nicely stated mate.

[@mustbecome]

Thank you brother. I love seeing the comments on videos like these as they help me create new perspectives on my own channel tbh@@fanatical56

[@no-hustle]

Love your concept of "labelling", as it's so true that we meander through different chapters in life. Trying to cling on to a past one or yearn for the next is folly; and often, the most important step we need to take is to appreciate where we are (right now) and then embrace the steps we need to take.

[@keneticchannel]

Former thick chap here. Simplifying training (exercise, fitness, etc.) completely changed my relationship with my body and, to some degree, my mind. I think the first step is seeing something physical that makes you go "Hey, that looks fun. I think I'd like to try that," and using that activity to build your strength and endurance. Over time, as you get stronger, less-winded, and slimmed down, more physical activities will look more appealing as a fun challenge. My intro to training was seeing a boxer skipping rope. I could care less about boxing and could probably never take a punch, but being able to jump rope like that looked like so much fun. That later led to running long distances on roads, running trails, calisthenics, and who knows what else I'll end up trying. But it's not complicated. Just follow what looks fun.

[@jessisoffline]

How incredible that this was exactly what I needed to hear. I've often felt imposter syndrome in trying new activities or other forms of exercises. Just yesterday I was asking myself when I went to the bouldering gym solo for the first time vs going with friends "what on earth am I doing here? I feel so out of place". But actually, the way you put it, just simplifying what the task at hand, makes entry into any activity that much more approachable. It's just bouldering. It's just me in a space, where I get to climb walls and problem solve. That's it.

[@marilynleslie472]

Very helpful. I completely agree with the concept of immersing yourself in beauty; whether it is a walk in the woods, going to the art museum, or listening to beautiful music. It refreshes the soul.

[@Milark]

The quality of your videos went from amazing to TV level to straight art

[@canalmarcelolobo]

The way in which you describe how it works for you, the separation in "this week, I'm going to focus on this, and that”, hit the core of my existence, and I am so happy to find out I'm not alone in this way of living. Thank you so much for this video, Nathaniel

[@serinaadriana5301]

Combining the saying things out loud and journaling point - I absolutely love using my voice notes as a journal. I just sit down or go for a walk and record while I process my thoughts out loud. Sometimes it’s 10mins long, other times and hour but it’s become a great part of my self care routine. I don’t have to slow down my thoughts in order for my pen to follow and I just get to listen to me putting everything out there. Would highly recommend!

[@fanatical56]

Voice memos are brilliant. But be careful, people may think you’re psychotic if they catch you in the act 😂😂

[@streetandfashionphotograph3374]

This is a great point to mention. Thank you for sharing it with us. It always always mentioned that the journals are the best option but frankly I do not have the best handwriting nor patience to write down the things. I had that aha moment few weeks ago one morning when I was sipping my coffee near a river and analyzing my thoughts. Afterward, I opened my voice memo and started saying it loud and make it more meaningful to record it at the same time.

[@amelielettenbichler1022]

Thank you for consistently putting out such wholesome and valuable content! It's so relaxing and entertaining at the same time and the thought you put into all of your videos is incredibly admirable. The production itself is oddly impressive and I appreciate your work! I hope you are as proud of yourself as you deserve to be for your on going performances!

[@melindamorgane8540]

Im loving these ideas and I am LOVING how your work has been progressing, expanding and improving. The quantity of your ‘films’ is fantastic. I’ve followed you for a few years now, and have always enjoyed your offerings. Your recent posts have been exceptional! Thank you so much for sharing your experiences with us. I can truly appreciate the way you think about life as well as your approach to ‘growing’ . Good stuff!

[@queens6583]

Great perspectives that make a person look introspectively and perhaps allowing ourselves a bit of grace in our lives. I absolutely loved the camera shots and locations.

[@lou.4554]

I like to journal in comic style, combining text and drawings ... glad to finally see someone on the internet pointing out that there is more than writing alone when it comes to journaling. Thanks for the video!!

[@moniquejacques1410]

Thanks Nathaniel, for sharing and being so candid and vulnerable.

[@TheBaaLambChampion]

The cinematography in this is absolutely beautiful. I've live abroad for a year now, and this - the endless rows of pine trees, thick snow, mossy landscapes - reminds me of home so much. I am fortunate, and content to be in the position I am in, but nothing will beat the feeling of waking up early on a humid, chilly October morning, going for a walk around the little trails, just enjoying the feeling of freshness that the scent of wet dirt brings. Walking through a forest on a morning like this, alone, is a sublime experience

[@hilary3219]

I think drawing vs journaling might be better as drawing AND journaling because while journaling has always been the most innate/preferred way for me to process my thoughts - it has always involved small sketches or drawings to accent the words, which I feel like to a certain extent is part of what your describing. Also, while "Power of Labelling" is simply prioritizing, it sounds much more lovely and fun the way you describe it. I've always loved the idea of seasonality of life. Say it out loud - for me, is write it out. Because writing things out helps me slow down and think about things so I don't forget them and/or plan better ways/processes like organization to make it easier to remember things. It's also how a prioritize, each day, each week, each month, etc. I definitely feel it's draining whenever I don't do this.

[@TB-ky7de]

This is fabulous. So well thought through, so helpful, so eloquently explained and gloriously well executed. Thank you 🙏

[@mercepau1566]

This is amazing Nathaniel, this relates to me at so many levels, in a particularly difficult time in my life. Please keep it up, your videos bring light and hope. Gracias de corazón!

[@arodriguez9764]

Absolutely love all the tips, especially to say things out loud and to experience beauty in nature to relieve stress/anxiety. Thanks so much for all these great insights!

[@BenSvender]

amazing advice! it's easy to let life get in the way. reminding yourself of what's important is crucial - the tricky part is that you have to do it over and over

[@Fogel1251]

I find myself comming back to your videos every couple of weeks and it never ceases to amaze my how much i need them. Meaning the message, they help me with being okay with being me, if that makes sense. They help me tremendously with my anxiety issues as well as giving a sense of calmness about figuring out my day-to-day life. So thank you for being you!

[@fhasalalam]

Loved this video, clarifies so much in living a fulfilling life amidst big change. Right now I'm facing a change in my life-heading for college-and I'm both excited and nervous! Amazing vid as always Nathaniel :)

[@c.k.1958]

Thank you Nathaniel for this timely video! All the points you made were genuinely helpful. For instance, I found myself worrying about ‘silly’ purchases I made and spending too much time worrying about it! But I love the concept of peace of mind fund, wow brilliant! I am definitely going to apply this budget idea into my life 👍🏽💯

[@ig2949]

Thank you for this video, as always very deep thoughts and great advice. I love how your channel has developed and the editing is amazing! I appreciate all the beautiful scenery that you include.

[@ryanatallah345]

Your videos always brighten up my day . I'm really appreciative of the effort you put into create this style of yours that really makes your videos shine. Thank you very much for your work

[@MxMnKC]

Instantly added this to my Favorites. A couple of these I actually do but never thought about them as more than a simple ritual that works for me, which is what they are, but it's comforting to know that others use these rituals as well. Thank you for sharing this video

[@michaelkarasik4964]

awesome tips! I've been focusing on me a lot lately and think labelling that has been a tremendous help. Your videos always make me feel so much better about my life direction, thank you

[@RocioMartinez-qe1he]

Thank you for reminding me to be kind to myself. Thanks for all of the great content! Much love, Rocío ❤

[@benfitness_]

A well explained video around well known issues! Thanks Nath for the great work you do.

[@Sara-ck2vn]

LOVED this video 😭 I really needed this pieces of advice in this stage of my life...thank you Nathaniel 🙏🏻 love from Italy 🇮🇹💛

[@TommyDeWitt]

beautiful video! the cinematography, colour grade, and editing were all on another level

[@lauriewinter6820]

This was very helpful. I tend to allow work to overwhelm me. And I too have those tasks I dread. I will work on setting aside a specific time to tackle those tasks, and making time for me! Thank you for sharing your journey!

[@aleksandrateofilovic]

This might be my favorite video of you. Thank you! I've been following you for years and watching your growth and dedication to yourself is truly Inspiting. Thank you for being real and sharing your wisdom with us. 🤗

[@CrystalKayFlores]

I love your videos just because they are filled with such a hunger to understand the bigger picture as to the need to connect. Regardless of what you believe is the purpose of life, connection and growing and pondering is what makes it all worth the experience.

[@Soletobelli]

I love so hard how you improved the quality of your content. :') Loving this. Lot of hugs from Argentina.

[@justonemorestitch]

Another lovely video ❤ Thank you for sharing. I love the seasonality one. I am personally embracing this right now and it is really helping me to feel grounded and at peace about the choices I am making today as well as some decisions of my past as well. The dumb things fund is genius!

[@shanelyon6269]

What makes your videos so beautiful is that they feel like a journal. I don’t know if you are explaining your thoughts to me or if you are simply telling your future self and I happen to be here too. I envy your children their ability to watch these videos later and learn so much about who their father was as a young man. I hope you will offer a course on video editing so that we can all make such wonderful journals for posterity.

[@RajaRoyTalks]

Great video as always! To your point number 4 - simplifying fitness, I am in a boat which I think a lot of people can relate to. I lack the discipline to workout. I am fortunate enough to be able to afford a personal trainer and that has helped me immensely to get in shape. Areas and fields that I naturally do not excel, I feel getting help there is critical. For me the trainer is like a work meeting for 90 mins that I have to attend and do what he tells me to do. Though I know every exercise and the order in which we will do it already, just having the meeting scheduled twice a week for 90 mins was the key to turn the corner on getting fit. Getting help for me has been the key, in whatever form it maybe, but those weak points can turn into positive with the right guidance.

[@dariooliveira5528]

I admire your work so much. Really awesome tips, production, footage. Love everything

[@cindyccn3016]

Thank you! I needed this!

[@user-xx4el6cs8q]

Always a pleasure to listen to your advice, really helpful and most of them works for me as well ☺️

[@callmeacab]

The shot in the mirror made me smile and also giggle. I've watched enough of your videos to know you probably had a little mark on the floor so when you walked off camera you landed there perfectly. I have to say I've always struggled with actually journaling. I am an artist and I use a sketchbook often, but I've never thought about using THAT as a journal. I will be travelling to the south of France soon and I will definitely bring a sketch journal. Great idea.

[@rofaidasamy6957]

i love the sound quality of this video so much, thanks

[@pedrobarcik2660]

Really resonated with you! Also, loved the aesthetic! The best yet!

[@DiceDecides]

beautiful shots from different seasons, i appreciate the advice given too, helpful to navigate the busy world we live in...

Beautiful breath taking landscapes, deep simple message, thank you!

[@joshuajones3728]

I've followed ND for a few years now and this might be my favourite ever video, keep it up!

[@alishaprice4812]

Your videos are just so humbling and real. The presentation of how you portray your ideas are very informative yet calming. You have an interesting quality where your able to inform people but do it in a way that is so captivating and relaxing. Keep at it!👍

[@thecosykind2436]

Such a beautiful production, music and feeling 💕💕

[@YashoShasho]

This was so beautiful. Thank you for being you and sharing.

[@harmonia22]

very nice visuals and good message! i totally relate to your style but also the mindset! thank you for your inspiration!

[@TheJeffry11]

I am so incredibly grateful to you for your Vlogs! I have learned and gained so much from your wisdom and knowledge that you so freely share. Thank you!

[@kathysampson826]

Great video! Am going to follow your advice! Thank you so much for sharing this with us!

[@user-pf9pt3su5c]

Nataniel you're incredible, your narratives are a balm for the soul. Brazilian congratutaltions

[@AdventureTimeLoui]

I always appreciate your insight on the world and your absolutely beautiful way of sharing it. Thanks for another awesome video 😍

[@juliashcherbina5319]

This is exactly what I needed! THANK YOU 🙏

[@annavoytenko]

I find this "going out to the forest to record on the phone all the concepts for the video" to be not only beautifully simple but also it has an effect of a deeper connection with a viewer. Especially the intro of you just lying on the ground speaking to a camera. It feels like we are there as well listening to a friend contemplating life. Genius.

[@learnenglishwithstories3571]

I find your videos so relaxing and regrouping. Thank you. I am twice your age and yet in many ways I feel you have thought more deeply and lived more broadly than I have. With your help, I hope to catch up a little :)

[@Ines-ti6ed]

Thank you Nathaniel, what an amazing video!❤

[@AndrewStefan]

The shot with the mirror at 9:15 is incredible

[@giuliovalente115]

This is what I need through my daily life. I began to try to create these kind of "ethical rules" for myself, but I'm so doubtful that I never feel like doing the good thing. Thank you for making me feel valid even when I don't think I am❤

[@MindNow]

If I may ask, what kind of "ethical rules" did you create for yourself?

[@cesarsampaio4598]

Thank's for these wonderful advices

[@mariepierlessard]

Beautiful! :) Thank you for sharing these tips!

[@PaulaMorton-yx3iv]

Thank you for an inspirational video. You are wise beyond your years.

[@emersonsoares1443]

Obrigado, Drew. Sempre bom assisti-lo, grande abraço.

[@lagomholly]

Love everything you’ve touched on here! Life is just this wonderful thing of learning and creativity that keeps on giving and giving. I feel your thirst and enthusiasm to never stop loving the gift of life and make the most of what we can during our short time here. Excellent video as always!😊

[@MindNow]

Life is truly beautiful

[@cecilia9364]

Amazing simple advise but an important reminder. Loved the video!

[@justinhupe8624]

beautiful and thoughtful video. thank you nathaniel

[@ivona5652]

I resonate a lot especially with the last point, I think it stems from our internal ancestral disposition. Being in nature and witnessing the beauty of the world aligns us to a deeper truth

[@annasedlackova2915]

Love the video, makes me wanna go to Norway even more. And I found the fitness simplicity advice very calming and I feel like I have support now, so thank you. If you ever want to come to Czech Republic, let me know. Love, Anna.

[@booshkoosh7994]

Wonderfully tasteful and true. It seems to me that we are the product of our own time; that which is from us, or of us, or for us, is fundamentally us (it will live on). To be unique, is to be out of competition with others, and to full enjoy the gifts of life. Thanks again for what you've done with your time! Have a great day!😄 P.S: the videography is so very, very excellent. I've been following along for 5 years, and each and every episode is a new art piece (each one better than the last).

[@WW_Studios]

I love this video... I need to watch more of your stuff!

[@robinlaine6336]

Thank you. Great tools to work with.

[@SunnyKindJourney]

I liked these a lot, Nathaniel! 🥰

[@martarodriguezramos4061]

I had no idea how much I needed this video. Thank you very much, Nathan :)

[@sinxso]

Awesome! Thanks!! I think I do all of them currently!

[@luisengelhardt2600]

Please keep on going make these helpful videos. This video will help me a lot in my life, i wrote everything down what you said and your words are worth a lot. I wish more people would actually listen to your advices. Thank you very much for this video I wish you all the best but i think you don't need it because you seem so happy and when you have this kind of attidude all good things in life come to you anyways.

[@gabrielahinkova3403]

I find this video super helpful :) I will forward it to my friends. thanks for sharing !

[@bethstratton3391]

I loved this video. particular points one, two and six, as these are things I do and already and they really work to help me focus and enjoy life. Another thing I recommend is focused walking. When taking a walk I say to myself “for the next fifteen minutes I am going to really ‘look’ and focus on the world around me, both good and bad.” This helps me to centre myself and embed my thoughts into my overall environment, which helps me to develop true focus i.e. not just walking blindly, but really understanding and knowing where I am and what attracted me to the landscape I was traveling through and what didn’t. This way when I walk in the future I can make sure that where I choose to go and places I choose to visit give me more of the things that spark joy and fire my imagination.

[@effinator]

As always, G O A L S ! ! Thank you for sharing, I needed this reminder!

[@JuanPabloLenain]

Always loved how cinematpgraphic your videos are... and still do, of course!

[@jehamburg3110]

How beautifully made was this video!?❤ Thank you, Nathaniel, for putting so much love, effort and thought in this.❤ Sending lots of love from Hamburg, Judith

[@TheNorwegianMovies]

Thank you!

[@activityenthusiasts]

Beautiful video, as always! #2 - labelling, this was a huge ah-ha moment. So often I feel like I have to be & do all things all the time, but the idea of dedicating yourself at certain points to specific things is a freeing concept!

[@dracaenaa7]

Me encantó, gracias por compartir Nathaniel

[@jas2800]

Man you don't know how that season labelling idea blew my mind. I've been killing myself this summer with the thought that I'm not getting any work done or not progressing in life. Instead man I should really be thinking about how this is a phase of my life where i'm spending the most time with my family. Thank you bro.

[@nina4531]

I adore the way you transfer your ideas keep going

[@kendall984]

I've been watching Nathaniel Drew's channel for years! He never fails to open my eyes to new perspectives and creative ideas! This man is a true philosopher

[@gribmuse5686]

Tom Fox’s music is beautiful!! It’s so cool that you work together

[@robindorrell9347]

Excellent concepts, beautiful video! You're a wise guy, Nathaniel!

[@VoskoWTF]

i love your videos and insights!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! thanks for all of your work!

[@andjelikaabuelrub1810]

this is soo helpful and nice, thank you

[@copperjaguar]

3:23 this is similar to how you remember information that you're studying when you write it down. This is because you're essentially "recreating" it on your own rather than just trying to remember someone else's voice saying it or someone else's handwriting. Taking the time to spell it and watching your hand recreate the word/sentence helps to remember.

[@Jlbultron1836]

Thanks for sharing this stuff with us brother!! 😎✌️

[@ambykita]

so beautiful and helpful! thank you!

[@AngelDiary21]

Thanks for your video. You transported my mind to another place.

[@InspAuri]

Great inspiration ❤

[@Yahir-gk7ug]

Wow your content is very helpful for me. I am very grateful